HBAA Awards
HBAA AWARD Winners 2009
Training & Development Award 2009: The Old Course Hotel
Applicants were asked to demonstrate their organization’s ongoing commitment to the training and development of staff at all levels. Examples of how learning is encouraged within the workplace, how knowledge and skills are transferred amongst staff, together with proof of how the company had benefited from these policies were required. Case studies of individual development within the organization were requested to support the above. The award was open to companies both large and small and was judged on the quality of training rather than the finance invested in it.
Judges: Rosemary Bannister & Nina Lovett of HT Training
Shortlisted:
HelmsBriscoe
The Old Course Hotel
Grassroots HBI
All entries were of a high calibre and all entrants should be proud of their commitment to training and developing their staff. All of the entries demonstrated how training underpins their business ethos. All of the entrants offered a range of training options from internal sessions, attendance of HBAA courses and in some instances supporting employees in gaining external accredited qualifications.
The Old Course Hotel clearly demonstrated how training is inextricably linked to their business objectives and service delivery. Their submission was well put together and what made the difference to their score against the other entries, was clear statistical proof that the training delivered had clearly benefitted the business. This included staff and management retention figures, which are way above the industry average, internal promotions and increased sales. Judges were impressed with their holistic approach to training, the commitment of the senior team and the fact that the training is delivered across all levels of staff.
Promoting Excellence within the Industry Award 2009: Conference Care
The HBAA sought entries from companies who have delivered excellence to their clients by means of a new product or service. Examples of this might have been found in a new marketing initiative, IT development, improved customer service, a new offering to the market etc. All applicants were required to clearly demonstrate the benefits to the end user as well as showing a clear return on their investment.
Judge: Rochelle Long of M&IT
Entries for this category were incredibly diverse, ranging from new technology to education events and in-house customer initiatives. While all worthy developments, the entries judged as the best not only promoted excellence to their clients through a new product or service, but were able to demonstrate the benefits to the end user and a return on investment to their own company.
Shortlisted:
Inntel
Conference Care
Principal Hayley
“The Principal Hayley Way”, was highly commended, with a dedicated project highlighting staff training and staff rewards, with the ultimate goal of staff retention and ensuring quality service for guests – proof if needed in recessionary times of the importance of investing in people.
Conference Care's addition of a Venue Sustainability Rating to their online venue finding services gives event bookers the option of incorporating sustainability factors into their venue choice. Not only has it proved popular with corporate clients, it has encouraged venues to further look at and demonstrate their environmental responsibilities.
Commitment within the Community Award 2009: Hilton Hotels
Applications were sought from companies that could demonstrate tangible benefits from work they have carried out within their local or wider community. This may take the form of a current project or one that has taken place in the last 12 months. Ideally the work swas required to be sustainable and create a legacy for the future.
Judge: Lynn Faulds Wood
Our judge commented that it was really encouraging and heart warming to read the entries and making final choice difficult.
Short listed:
etc venues
Hilton Hotels
Wyboston Lakes
etc venues are spreading the word among impressionable schoolchildren about healthy eating, especially the importance of fuel at breakfast and learning to help those who are less fortunate.
Wyboston Lakes have all-round involvement in the lives of the local community - employment, creating access to wonderful leisure activities, sourcing local ingredients, supporting local suppliers, so important in such a rural area.
Hilton Hotels have set up a charitable Foundation which involves so many of their venues, so many of their staff and a huge range of local charities, schools and initiatives, which struggle for funding, as beneficiaries.
Best Environmental Practise Award 2009: Great Hallingbury Manor
The HBAA sought applications from companies that could show a real commitment to sustainability through sound environmental practises and clearly demonstrate that this is embedded in the culture of their business.
Largest entries in this category, we have become accustomed to large properties and venues leading the field on sustainability but it is encouraging to see smaller scale leaders emerging in the hospitality field.
Shortlisted:
ExCel London
Croke Park
Great Hallingbury Manor
Great Hallingbury Manor was chosen based upon the commitment made in all areas, especially relative to the size of establishment. Whilst all shortlisted entries are able to demonstrate excellent progress, sustainability is central to the organisations project. Great Hallingbury Manor is an excellent example of sustainability by a smaller unit.
Judge: Hugo Kimber of The Carbon Consultancy
Note: The Tim Gasson Award will be announced at the Annual Dinner in January 2010.